Category: Blogs

More lenders have joined in the latest trend of increasing their Standard Variable Rate (SVR). This is the Lenders own rate of interest, and the rate which a customer normally reverts to once their specific product (i.e fixed rate) period comes to an end. The latest change comes from Yorkshire/Clydesdale who increased their SVR from […]

Many existing customers with the Halifax will shortly receive a letter confirming that their Standard Variable Rate will increase from 3.50% to 3.99% on 1st May. Not a nice letter to receive, but it is within the lenders power and will affect between a reported 600,000 – 850,000 customers. A spokesman for the lender says […]

Over the last seven days, we’ve seen nearly every lender pull their products and, in the main, increase rates across the board. Is this a time to panic? I’m really not sure. Who can predict the future and what is around the corner? Fixed rates on offer at the moment are very attractive and some […]

Interest Only remains in the Spotlight this week as Lloyds Banking Group and Leeds Building society impose restrictions on those wishing to obtain an interest only mortgage. This is following Santander’s interest only loan reduction last week and Barclays/Woolwich previous to that. Although Santander reduced the maximum LTV on interest only to 50%, they did […]

Mortgage lending is certainly becoming interesting again! During the last week Santander reduced the maximum loan they will accept on an Interest Only basis to just 50% of the property value (down from 75%). I expect that this, partly at least, is in direct response to the growing concern that many borrowers with this type […]

The ‘Short Term Lending’ market is flourishing. Specifically geared at speedily arranged loans, normally with a monthly rate of interest and pre-agreed with an ‘exit’ route, the term‘Bridging Finance’ is quickly becoming a household name. With many lenders in the market, offering loans up to 75% of the property value (sometimes higher with additional security […]

It was a very busy January and not just for new business! Many lenders are looking for gaps in the market where they can make a significant difference and offer a product aimed at a type of customer, rather than the normal open market offerings available to all. Innovation may be the key for a […]

I am delighted to commence this week’s column with the fantastic news that AToM has received a national mortgage lender award! We have been awarded ‘Best Overall Mortgage Packager 2011’ by the lender GE Money Home Lending. It’s rare for lenders to issue awards, so this is really special and great recognition. We have a […]

Many of us will review car insurance, home insurance, gas and electricity suppliers tofind the best rate on the market. But it’s astounding how many people just leave their mortgage with their existing supplier. Most lenders look to attract new customers, but are less likely to offer attractive options to stay with them. This, in […]

A very Happy New Year to you all! Let’s hope 2012 brings us all something to be upbeat about! Although lending volumes are predicted to remain much the same as in 2011, I do predict that the mix will change slightly. We will see more specialist lenders offering products aimed at specific types of customers. […]